Ryanair Passenger Partially Sucked Out of Window Survives Thanks to Seatbelt and Wife's Quick Action
A 61-year-old Serbian man, Ljubica Krbovic, survived a terrifying incident on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen when part of the plane's engine detached and shattered a window, causing him to be sucked halfway out of the aircraft. The event occurred shortly after takeoff on July 10, at an altitude of about 6 kilometers. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing Krbovic's body outside the window up to his shoulders. His wife, Svetlana, played a crucial role in holding him in place by grabbing his legs.
Passengers described screams and a strong smell as oxygen masks deployed due to rapid cabin depressurization. Fortunately, Krbovic had not removed his seatbelt, which likely prevented him from being fully pulled out. The plane made an emergency return to Thessaloniki within 20 minutes. Upon landing, Krbovic was rushed to a local hospital with neck injuries and other trauma but remained conscious despite shock and oxygen deprivation.
Ryanair confirmed the incident, stating the flight returned safely after a passenger window detached mid-flight. The quick response of the crew and passengers, along with Krbovic's seatbelt and his wife's quick thinking, were credited with saving his life. The investigation into the engine failure and window breakage is ongoing.